New campaign to help parents talk to younger children about the
dangers of underage drinking

The Gilmer Mirror

May 28, 2013 | 1419 views | 0 | 14 | |

The Community Partners Coalition of Smith County urges parents to get involved and talk to their children about illicit drug use. The coalition is focused on 3 main goals: curb underage and high risk drinking; curb illicit drug use; educate youth about prescription drug use and abuse.

A new report indicates that more than one in five parents of teens aged 12 to 17 (22.3 percent) think what they say has little influence on whether or not their child uses illicit substances, tobacco, or alcohol. This report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also shows one in ten parents said they did not talk to their teens about the dangers of using tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs even though 67.6 percent of these parents who had not spoken to their children thought they would influence whether their child uses drugs if they spoke to them.

In fact national surveys of teens ages 12 to 17 show that teens who believe their parents would strongly disapprove of their substance use were less likely to use substances than other. For example, current marijuana use was less prevalent among youth who believed their parents would strongly disapprove of their trying marijuana once or twice than among youth who did not perceive this level of disapproval (5.0 percent vs. 31.5 percent).

"Talk. They Hear You." is SAMHSA’s new national media campaign encouraging parents with ideas and resources to promote conversations with children ages nine and older about the dangers of underage drinking. The campaign features a series of TV, radio, and print public service announcements in English and Spanish showing parents how to seize the moment to talk with their children about alcohol. Information about the campaign is available at: www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. At NEXT STEP Community Solutions, we work closely with SAMHSA to keep in tune with the latest research to aid in the prevention of drug use by our youth.

If you would like more information about the coalition in Smith County or developing one in your community here in Region 4, Please contact Kristi C. Roberts at 903-939-9010 or email kristi.roberts@nextstepcsi.com.